BNF unity to be tested in Francistown
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday March 6, 2026 12:20
Although party officials publicly project confidence and peace, lingering divisions from last year’s elective congress continue to cast a shadow over the weekend gathering. Consequently, many observers are questioning whether the party will emerge stronger and more united or further divided by unresolved tensions.
The cracks within the party can be traced back to the fiercely contested elective congress held last year. At the time, rival teams led by different ministers competed for influential party positions, creating deep factional lines. While leadership contests are a natural feature of democratic politics, the aftermath appears to have left wounds that are yet to heal. To date, members aligned with opposing camps are reportedly struggling to fully embrace one another, thereby sustaining an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. Notably, party vice president Moeti Mohwasa previously acknowledged the importance of unity and forgiveness within the organisation.
Against this backdrop, attention has now shifted to party president Duma Boko, with many members pinning their hopes on his ability to address grievances objectively and steer the party toward common ground. As delegates converge in Francistown, expectations are high that the leadership will confront these divisions head-on rather than gloss over them. At the same time, the implications extend beyond the BNF itself.
As a key affiliate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the party occupies a central role within the coalition. However, critics have often accused the BNF of adopting what they describe as a “big brother” mentality within the alliance. Should the party weaken due to internal instability, analysts warn that the ripple effects could undermine the broader coalition’s effectiveness. In this regard, the Francistown forum is not merely an internal affair but a moment with potential national political consequences.
Meanwhile, sources within the party suggest that unity alone will not be sufficient to restore confidence. In addition to reconciliation, members are demanding clarity on bread-and-butter issues, particularly employment creation. Many grassroots supporters argue that they endured marginalisation during the previous Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) administration and now expect improved opportunities under a government in which their party plays a leading role. “The BNF members have suffered at the hands of the BDP. Now they expect something better. Some could not be employed because of their association with the party,” a source revealed. Such sentiments highlight growing frustration amongst the rank and file, who believe that political change should translate into tangible socio-economic benefits. Furthermore, communication gaps between party structures and government decision-makers have reportedly deepened internal dissatisfaction.
According to another source within the party, local party structures are often unaware of certain decisions taken at the government level. As a result, they find themselves ill-equipped to defend party policies or support ministers when confronted by the public.“That big gap is creating problems within the party,” the source said. Consequently, concerns about coordination and information flow are likely to dominate discussions during the forum. Without improved communication, efforts to promote unity may prove superficial, as misunderstandings and mistrust continue to fester at the grassroots level.
Compounding these challenges are recent administrative developments within the party. Following the July congress last year, reports indicate that some party employees were retrenched, a move that allegedly intensified factional suspicions. More recently, the suspension of executive secretary Oabona Molefe has further heightened tensions. In a letter dated February 27, 2026, signed by Secretary-General Dr Stephen Modise, Molefe was informed of allegations relating to the receiving, capturing and general handling of membership forms in a manner said to violate established norms and party practices. Citing the gravity of the accusations and their potential ramifications, the letter confirmed that Molefe had been placed on immediate suspension pending the completion of investigations and was instructed to hand over all party materials associated with the office.
Although the details remain internal, the timing of the suspension just days before the leadership forum has inevitably fueled speculation amongst members and observers alike. Nevertheless, party spokesperson Carter Joseph declined to comment substantively on the matter, emphasising that it is an internal issue.
“I cannot comment on this matter since it is internal. The BNF is going to emerge from the Francistown leadership forum very strong and united more than ever. It is only different from other parties because of its internal democracy,” Joseph stated.
Despite these assurances, political observers suggest that the Francistown gathering represents a critical test of the party’s democratic resilience and systems. On the one hand, vigorous internal debate can be seen as evidence of a healthy democracy. While some believe that persistent factionalism risks eroding public confidence and weakening the party’s standing within the coalition.